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NYU’s Daily Student Newspaper

WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS Vol. 43, No. 9

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

nyunews.com UNIVERSITY AFFAIRS

UAE human rights abuses analyzed By ALANNA BAYARIN News Editor

Human Rights Watch published a report on Tuesday highlighting the continued violations of labor rights on Saadiyat Island, including NYU Abu Dhabi’s campus. The report said NYU failed to enforce and monitor treatment of migrant workers. The NYU Coalition for Labor hosted a panel on Tuesday at the Department of Social and Cultural Analysis of Abu Dhabi researchers, including Nicholas McGeehan and Sarah Leah Whitson, co-writers of the Human Rights Watch report; Sean O’Driscoll, an independent journalist who wrote articles about Abu Dhabi in The Guardian and The New York Times and Vasuki Nesiah, academic director of the Gallatin Global Fellowship in Human Rights. McGeehan said he was

shocked to find out NYU was involved in human rights violations in the United Arab Emirates. He referenced a New York Times article written by O’Driscoll and reporter Ariel Kaminer that uncovered the harsh living and working conditions of migrant construction workers for NYU. “The most disturbing violation of rights that we documented was the mass of arbitrary deportation of two groups of workers,” McGeehan said. “The one we documented in most detail was the one that was first exposed by The New York Times in a piece that Sean and his coworker wrote.” Kaminer said the UAE funded a lot of the campus’ construction cost, and even pocketed money from the erection of the new campus. “I think we’re forgetting a potentially big piece of

RIGHTS cont’d on PG. 3

ARTS

STAFF PHOTO BY MATHILDE VAN TULDEN

The museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology currently has on display an exhibit showing pieces Yves Saint Luarent and Halston created during the ’70s. FASHION

Designers showcased in FIT exhibit

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Before entering the exhibit, visitors encounter a timeline that outlines the designers’ careers, beginning in the 1950s and ending in 1984, the year Halston was forced to step down from his enterprise and Diana Vreeland curated a retrospective at the Metropolitan Museum of Art for Saint Laurent. The timeline prepares viewers for the exhibit, as it shows off rare photos of the designers

FIT continued on PG. 5

By TALIA MILAVETZ Contributing Writer

Tucked away in the middle of Chinatown, the group exhibition “Fetching Blemish” boasts a variety of art that exposes the traits that make people most insecure. The portraits use mixed media. Some are painted over cardboard, some are beautifully watercolored and some are even made of low fire clay. Each piece highlights a different area of insecurity. Rebecca Morgan’s “Self-portrait at thirty living in my hometown, post Big Mac Meal,” shows every detail of eyebrows that have yet to be

‘Better Call Saul’ premieres

Paris Couture Week

The “Breaking Bad” prequel appeals to both devoted fans and new viewers.

Designers showcased new collections in the world’s fashion capital.

STORY on PG. 4

VIA STYLE.COM

Androgynous ensembles, shorter hemlines and loose, flowing silhouettes: these looks defined 1970s fashion, thanks to the influence of designers Yves Saint Laurent and Roy Halston Frowick. The newest exhibition at the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, “Yves Saint Laurent + Halston: Fashioning the 70s,” explores the decade when these

two designers ruled the fashion world, using their distinct visions and techniques to transform fashion simultaneously. The exhibit, which opened Friday, is the first of its kind to feature the looks of Yves Saint Laurent and Halston together. Deputy director Patricia Mears and assistant curator Emma McClendon explore the decade while highlighting the similarities and diffencesbetween the French and American designers.

VIA FACEBOOK.COM

By NATALIA BARR Contributing Writer

Insecurities on display in ‘Blemish’

STORY on PG. 5

plucked. Others, like Dan McCarthy’s “Space Ghost,” show a face with poorly defined features. Some show an intricately detailed figure smeared over with strokes of paint, making most facial features unidentifiable. “Fetching Blemish” uses every medium to highlight the insecurities that make us feel like outsiders. While people are told what makes us different makes us special, differences can make people feel marginalized. People are constantly shown images of beauty and perfect rather than reality.

BLEMISH cont’d. on PG. 4

Harper Lee’s new book controversy “Mockingbird” sequel draws mixed reactions. STORY on PG. 7


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As Valentine’s Day approaches, The WSN staff recommends films to watch for this upcoming Valentine’s Day. Editor-in-Chief

VALENTINA DUQUE BOJANINI Managing Editor

THOMAS DEVLIN Assistant Managing Editor

“500 days of summer” Tommy Collison Deputy Opinion Editor

Digital Director

From where I’m standing, there are two types of Valentine’s movies: soppy and realistic. “500 Days of Summer” is the latter, and follows Tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) as he remembers his failed relationship with Summer (Zooey Deschanel), the girl of his dreams. The film subverts cliché by refusing to make Tom a completely sympathetic character. “500 Days” is a great example of the manic pixie dream girl trope, where a guy expects her to solve all his problems. If you’re single, this isn’t a movie that’s going to make you feel good about that fact. It’s a cautionary tale more than a feel-good flick.

HANNAH TREASURE Creative Director, Special Editions

OLIVIA MARTIN Creative Director

TEERIN JULSAWAD deputy ALEXA WONG Copy Chief

MADELINE PAZZANI deputy RICHARD SHU Multimedia

“10 things i hate about you” Alexa Spieler Arts Editor

SHAWN PAIK photo SAM BEARZI video CALVIN FALK deputy photo SANG BAE, MATHILDE VAN TULDER deputy video CHRISTIAN FORTE

It’s hard to believe “10 Things I Hate About You” was released in 1999. The film depicts the trials of Bianca (Larisa Oleynik), the popular sister, who is forbidden from dating until her older sister, Kat (Julia Stiles), is also seeing someone. Bianca attempts to set Kat up, which is when Patrick Verona (Heath Ledger) comes into play. Despite the film’s commonalities with typical teenage-romantic films and a reliance on the cliché of unrequited love, the Shakespearean-influence of “Taming of the Shrew” adds depth to “10 Things I Hate About You.”

SENIOR STAFF

news ALANNA BAYARIN, MARITA VLACHOU features MARINA ZHENG arts ALEXA SPIELER sports BOBBY WAGNER senior editors LARSON BINZER, CHRISTINA

COLEBURN, FELIPE DE LA HOZ, FRANCISCO NAVAS, IFE OLUJOBI

DEPUTY STAFF

news ALEX BAZELEY, SCOTT MULLEN,

“annie hall” Thomas Devlin Managing Editor

CHRISTINE PARK features NINA JANG beauty & style SOPHIE LEWIS dining REBECCA RIDDLE film ISABEL JONES entertainment AUDREY DENG music E.R. PULGAR theater/books CAROLINE CUNFER sports KYLE LUTHER

While there is an abundance of Woody Allen films you could watch this Feb. 14, none compare to “Annie Hall,” released during the days when he collaborated with Diane Keaton. The plot follows the story of protagonists Alvy Singer and Annie Hall’s relationship. Their romance unfolds in a series of vignettes, including classic scenes such as Alvy corraling lobsters in the kitchen while Annie laughs. While the film is certainly not a bastion of romance, it provides a realistic and comedic look at relationships with a main character who, like the old Groucho Marx joke, wouldn’t want to belong to any club that would have someone like him as a member.

OPINION PAGE opinion editor

TESS WOOSLEY

VIA WIKIPEDIA.ORG

STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS

JOHN AMBROSIO

“Juno” Audrey Deng Entertainment Editor

“Juno” tells the story of teenage romance. The Oscar-winning screenplay pairs perfectly with droll actors Ellen Page and Michael Cera, who deliver their absurd lines with a nonchalance that brings the story to life. Though it is not a typical romantic movie, “Juno” is a comedy with swatches of very real despair. The movie forces the viewer to ponder the emotional and very real consequences of teenage pregnancy by making it the focus of the film. The setting and soundtrack of the film gives the entire story a nostalgic tint. For those seeking quirky banter, bright yellow short shorts and orange Tic-Tacs, “Juno” provides all these essentials in a sweet little film.

deputy opinion editors

ANNIE COHEN, TOMMY COLLISON, MATTHEW TESSLER

BLOGS

editor EMILY BELL violet vision GABRIELLA BOWER the highlighter MARISSA ELLIOT LITTLE under the arch EMMA SCOBLE global DANA RESZUTEK

ADVERTISING BUSINESS MANAGER

ALISON LIZZIO UNIVERSITY SALES RELATIONS

CLAIRE MAHANY

SNAPSHOT

TODAY ON CAMPUS

SALES MANAGER

EMMA HOWCROFT SALES REPRESENTATIVES

Dance and the Documentary The Department of Cinema studies and the Dance Film Association will host a panel to discuss documentary films and dance through an analysis of Chantal Akerman’s film “One Day Pina Asked…” The event will be on the sixth floor of 721 Broadway at 6 p.m.

AMY LU, BEN SWINEHART SALES ASSOCIATES

MIKE GROTT, LUXI PENG GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

KALEEL MUNROE CIRCULATION MANAGER

JESSICA TIEN

How to End the Forever War and Fight ISIL Join professor Ryan Goodman in a question-and-answer session with Harold Koh, a former legal adviser of the U.S. State Department, about the war in Afghanistan. The event will be held in Vanderbilt Hall starting at 12:25 p.m.

NYU Alternative Breaks Flea Market

Primrose Hill, London, United Kingdom

Are you interested in spending your Spring Break serving the community? Head on over to the NYU Alternative Breaks Flea Market in the Eisner & Lubin Auditorium from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. today.

PHOTO BY FRANCISCO NAVAS TODAY’S EVENTS ARE FREE FOR NYU STUDENTS.

GOT SOMETHING TO SHARE? EMAIL US AT TIPS@NYUNEWS.COM OR TWEET US @NYUNEWS.

CIRCULATION ASSISTANTS

ALEX HANSON, FIONA GORRY-HINES

ADVISING DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

NANCI HEALY EDITORS-AT-LARGE

TATIANA BAEZ, NICOLE BROWN, ALEX GREENBERGER, CLIO MCCONNELL, JORDAN MELENDREZ About WSN: Washington Square News (ISSN 15499389) is the student newspaper of New York University. WSN is published Monday through Thursday during NYU’s academic year, except for university holidays, vacations and exam periods. Corrections: WSN is committed to accurate reporting. When we make errors, we do our best to correct them as quickly as possible. If you believe we have erred, contact the managing editors at managing@nyunews. com or at 212.998.4302.


NYUNEWS.COM | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS

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RIGHTS continued from PG. 1

HRW report reveals continued violations

that puzzle, which is that NYU got a huge signing bonus and the administration has not said, hasn’t confirmed what the actual amount is,” Kaminer said. “They agreed that it was more than $50 million and that was widely understood to be just the first of a series of payments of undisclosed amounts.” After workers spoke out about working conditions, O’Driscoll said they were identified and targeted by officers in balaclavas. “They ordered all of the workers out of the camp and anybody who didn’t come downstairs, meanwhile a lot of the night workers were asleep, they went door to door kicking doors down dragging workers out, chasing them down the stairs,” O’Driscoll said. “It’s hard to believe, when I listen to some of the workers’ stories that these were NYU workers, because NYU is supposed to set a high standard not just with the UAE but with the Gulf.” NYU spokesperson John Beckman said the university took action to correct the human rights violations.

“The allegations contained in HRW’s report were also the subject of media reports last year, Beckman said. “Those reports led to the appointment last June of Nardello & Co., an international investigations firm, whose comprehensive review is expected to be completed and published this spring.” NYU alumna Kristina Bogos is the student leader for the NYU Coalition for Labor and investigated the human rights violations herself while studying abroad in Abu Dhabi. “After studying abroad in Abu Dhabi for five months, right around when Sean’s piece in The Guardian came out that documented scant wages and living conditions of migrant workers, and I felt compelled to see what was going on firsthand,” Bogos said. “I talked to some of the workers, and I was shocked because it was only a 20 minute cab ride away.” O’Driscoll said many faculty members at NYUAD have been defensive of the university in response to the attacks in

STAFF PHOTO BY JONATHAN TAN

Nicholas McGeenan, left, and Sean O’Driscoll speak about the release of the HRW report. the media. “For some of those in NYU Abu Dhabi, it’s an attack on their pride,” O’Driscoll said. “They seem to look at it from purely this New York University perspective that this is an attack on Sexton or that it’s this faculty against that faculty. It’s got nothing to do with NYU’s faculty, it’s

getting better in the UAE because NYU is there now. In fact, there is a shrinking space for freedom of expression.” Disclaimer: Kristina Bogos is a former features editor. Email Alanna Bayarin at abayarin@nyunews.com.

Students discuss aid at NYU Albany Day

Historians talk about modern racism

By MARITA VLACHOU News Editor

By JUSTINE MORRIS Contributing Writer Historians Peniel Joseph and Yohuru Williams discussed the state of race relations in America and institutionalized racism’s role in recent acts of police violence in a forum titled “We Are Revolutionaries: What Black Power Tells Us About Democracy in America” this Tuesday. Both Williams and Joseph have studied the black power movement and its effects on democracy. Joseph said given the recent events in Ferguson, Missouri, public interest in social movements like the black power movement has been awakened. “We’re looking at not just slavery’s aftermath, but slavery’s afterlife,” Joseph said. “Our work has always been relevant, and in certain historical time periods, people catch up.” Williams listed the many forms of racism, which he said were evident in American society and contributed to a system of institutionalized oppression. “You have the six degrees of segregation that are slavery’s children,” Williams said. “The most intractable of those six degrees of separation is Jim Crow justice. And it is

about people who have been beaten senselessly.” Whitson said, contrary to popular belief, conditions in the UAE have gotten worse since NYU constructed the new campus. “There was actually greater space for media freedom 10 years ago than there is today,” Whitson said. “Things are not

PHOTO BY DANA BROWN

Peniel Joseph and Yohuru Williams discuss Black Power. where we see the biggest and the most substantive evils that are associated with the legacy of slavery.” The panelists also discussed the way people of color are portrayed in movies. Joseph discussed the fact that “Selma” was largely snubbed and has not made a lot of money at the box office, while “The Help” was a huge hit. They both dealt with civil rights, but “The Help” had a white saviour character, while “Selma” has no white protagonists. Joseph also discussed the ways in which the civil rights movement has changed since the beginning of the black power movement. He suggested that people often give up on achieving equal rights before they are in position to do so. “We live in a context where we can’t even imagine social justice movements winning,” Joseph said. Joseph added that the goals of the movement are as serious and important as they have ever been — even though many are less willing to achieve them.

“And by winning, it meant an end to war, it meant an end to poverty, it meant an end to state-sanctioned violence domestically and internationally,” Joseph said. “Now, we’ve accepted the status quo.” Loretta Owens, the chief of operations of the Black Student Union at NYU, said the black power movement has ensured non-discriminatory freedom of speech. “Democracy’s success was contingent on the oppression of people of color in the United States, therefore excluding them from benefiting from the myth of meritocracy, one of our nation’s fundamental principles,” Owens said. “As black and brown people in the United States began to empower themselves, the system, one that was designed to disenfranchise and dehumanize them, was no longer allowed to operate in the same fashion without any awareness or outcry.” Email Justine Morris at news@nyunews.com.

NYU students and staff visited Washington, D.C. and Albany on Tuesday for NYU Albany Day to share their stories and discuss the importance of financial aid initiatives with legislators. Students met with Assemblywoman Jo Anne Simon and Assemblyman Thomas Abinanti’s office. As part of the day-long trip, students visited the New York Capitol, visited legislators’ offices in Albany and participated in a rally demanding more student aid. In conversations with legislators responsible for funding educational programs and financial aid, students and alumni emphasized the need for education to be a top priority in the following budget year. LS freshman Byron Ramirez said people on the trip were able to explain the importance of funding educational programs to legislators. “We spoke to the assistants of some of our government’s assembly members and we gave our stories of how state funded financial aid is helping us,” Ramirez said. “We convinced them that their aid in fact does play a major role in funding programs like HEOP, CSTEP, and TAP.” Instructor and Opportunity Programs representative Robert Dunks said the trip is an extension of the projects

done on campus. “We brought NYU OP to Albany today, we did up here what we do down in campus,” Dunks said. CAS freshman Jess Tejada said the trip indicates the effort made at NYU to provide assistance to underrepresented groups. “I think that NYU’s Albany Day was another instance in which NYU is continuing to be the global university that it is,” Tejada said. “It is continuing to try to help give under-represented groups an equal opportunity at success.” Ramirez said the trip was an exciting experience despite the long distance students had to travel. “We arrived in Albany with a great view of the Capitol Building and even with an extremely long bus ride we were still excited to represent our fellow NYU scholars who receive financial aid,” Ramirez said. Email Marita Vlachou at mvlachou@nyunews.com.

STAFF GRAPHIC BY SANG BAE


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WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 | NYUNEWS.COM

ARTS

EDITED BY ALEXA SPIELER ARTS@NYUNEWS.COM

‘Better Call Saul’ lives up to hopes

BLEMISH continued from PG. 1

By KATELYN FOURNIER Contributing Writer The opening scene of “Better Call Saul” could easily be mistaken for film noir — the pilot’s first scenes are shot in black and white and features Bob Odenkirk as a barely recognizable, mustachioed Saul working in a food court Cinnabon under his new alias, Gene. The pilot dropped a few important references to the “Breaking Bad” storylines that die-hard fans have been waiting for since AMC announced a prequel spin-off to “Breaking Bad,” but ones that new fans might have missed. The most critical of these connections was the reappearance of Jonathan Banks’ character, Mike Ehrmantraut, as a surly tollbooth employee and “Breaking Bad” villain Tuco. Though AMC writer and director Vince Gilligan hinted that “Better Call Saul” could potentially overlap with the “Breaking Bad” timeline, it was unexpected that the series would begin with the fallout of Saul Goodman’s new life as a fugitive from Albu-

VIA FACEBOOK.COM

Bob Odenkirk stars as Saul Goodman in “Better Call Saul.”

querque law enforcement. The audience gets to see several of Saul’s characteristic pseudoidentities: Cinnabon employee Gene, a phony British secretary and “Slippin’ Jimmy,” an example of Saul’s early talents as a swindler. However, viewers might be most interested in James McGill, Saul’s true identity. Last Friday, only two days before the Sunday release of the pilot episode of “Better Call Saul,” cast members Odenkirk, Michael McKean and Jonathan Banks appeared at the SoHo Apple Store to discuss the show with fans. Jonathan Banks stole the show as the cast members

walked on stage. Evidently, Banks’ character Mike closely resembles his own sarcastic and lovably brusque personality. Like his character in “Breaking Bad,” Banks demonstrated a love of children, as he signed a portrait of himself hand-drawn by a young fan from the audience. “Better Call Saul” will reveal how the self-doubting Jimmy creates the cunning and confident facade of Saul Goodman that “Breaking Bad” fans know and love. “Better Call Saul” airs on Mondays on AMC at 10 p.m. Email Katelyn Fournier at entertainment@nyunews.com.

PHOTO BY TALIA MILAVETZ

Artists represent their insecurities in“Fetching Blemish,” a group exhibit in Chinatown that is open until Feb. 14.

Exhibit shows beauty of imperfections “Fetching Blemish” responds to these conflicting ideas by emphasizing our “ugliness” and the things that make us feel insecure. It does not necessarily say these things make us beautiful, and it doesn’t say that they make us inferior. Rather, “Fetching Blemish” aims to explore the insecurities that shape our identities. “Fetching Blemish”

is a fascinating gallery whose artists and artwork lead a progressive discussion on beauty, ugliness and what it means to be human. “Fetching Blemish” is on display on 89 Elridge St. and closes on Feb. 14. Email Talia Milavetz at entertainment@nyunews.com.

COLUMN

Kanye West’s rant takes center stage By ALEXA SPIELER Arts Editor

Despite recently explaining how he has changed at the Ellen Show, Kanye West proved otherwise at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards. Initially, West appeared facetious toward Beck, as he approached the stage to interrupt him earning the Album of the Year award, triumphing over Beyoncé. West could’ve played the entire stint off as a joke, but rather, he decisively chose to reveal in a post-show interview that he wasn’t joking, as he said, “Beck needs to respect artistry and he should have given his award to Beyoncé ... You all know what it meant when ‘Ye walks on the stage.” Despite previously claiming that he’s learned to “shut up more,” West couldn’t have appeared to be more of a hypocrite. West apparently presumes his opinion is more significant than that of the National Recording Academy. Based on his actions, it seems as though West believes he can determine who needs to respect artistry. It has become evident that perhaps

West should take his own advice. That isn’t to say that Beyonce did not create a substantial piece of work with her self-titled release, but he also has no right to take away the win from Beck, whom prior to the 57th awards, had not won a Grammy since 2000. It also isn’t being questioned that Beyoncé is the more successful, popular artist — but the Grammys aren’t a popularity contest; that’s why the fan-voted awards exist. The Grammys do not rely on fan votes or on who sold the most albums, but instead recognize artistry and, in cases like Beck, give hope to the underdogs. Healthy competition is justifiable, but completely ripping apart an artist and ruining his moment of triumph in the spotlight leads to disdain and lack of cohesiveness in an industry where artists should be fighting together to keep it alive and prospering. All in all, it is West who needs to recognize artistry. After this stint, it is clear that West owes both

VIA FLICKR.COM

Kanye West performing at Lollapalooza Chile in 2011. West recently sparked outrage after saying Beyoncé should have won the Grammy for Album of the Year. Beck and the National Recording Academy an apology. It is critical to remove fans’ adoration of an idealized view of Beyoncé from the picture and focus on West’s immense disrespect towards the awards show, the music industry, and primarily, Beck. The Grammys are supposed to be a

night where successful artists are honored for their work. For one night, music experts bring together industry professionals and expose them to various genres. It is an opportunity that artists might not experience at other awards shows, as some shows are primarily concerned with featuring the most

popular music. The Grammys are a night for togetherness and mutual respect. Kanye West intended to teach Beck to respect artistry, but in doing so, showed himself to be the one who needs a lesson. Email Alexa Spieler at aspieler@nyunews.com.


NYUNEWS.COM | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS

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BEAUTY & STYLE

EDITED BY SOPHIE LEWIS BSTYLE@NYUNEWS.COM

Paris couture pushes boundaries By MADISON REIS Contributing Writer

Paris Couture Week wrapped up on Jan. 29, exuding all of the fantasy and whimsy that everyone had hoped for and expected. From Chanel to Valentino, Christian Dior to Giambattista Valli, the industry was left wishing for spring to arrive. The swarming number of editors, fashionistas and celebrities — thanks to the overlap of women’s and men’s fashion weeks — made Paris a fashion heaven. Here, we highlight the shows that stood out above the rest. The Chanel runway screamed spring, adorned with 300 handmade flowers that for any other designer might have distracted from the clothes, but for Chanel only complemented the impeccable design. The colors were bold and the hats were wild and large. Color-block wool suits, A-line skirts and long jackets

VIA STYLE.COM

(Left to right) Chanel, Valentino, Dior and Giambattista Valli stood out during Paris Couture Week.

were interspersed with looks of sheer black and flower-covered blouses cut short to show bare midriffs, beautifully dancing the line between elegant and youthful. There were even flower encrusted beanies that had a Cara Delevingne flair to them. While at times over the top, the collection was perfect for Couture Week. Valentino’s runway show brought to mind a dreamy love story that was the perfect mix of fantasy and reality. Folkloric prints were inspired by painter Marc Chagall

and his Russian heritage. The romantic color palette, soft chiffon and elegant patterns made the whole collection beautifully cohesive and surprisingly wearable for a couture show. The Christian Dior show was modern yet chic. Through a winding, labyrinthine catwalk of white scaffolding and mirrored walls came outfits just as unconventional. From printed catsuits to full-sized ballerina skirts, the outfits exuded youth and vibrancy. But one detail that stood out the most was the mod-

els’ futuristic hair. A simple pony tail was broken up in the middle by interlocking metallic rings to connect the models’ natural hair with longer extensions, resulting in super-long, futuristic ponytails. They have already created a major buzz among the fashion community as one of the most creative and fun uses of extensions so far. Giambattista Valli diverged sharply this year from his usual fairytale designs. Inspired by the Metropolitan Museum’s Impossible Conversations Show, Valli

imagined a conversation between fashion icons Coco Chanel and Janis Joplin. Every look was shamelessly feminine and brazenly powerful. Full skirts were covered with frills and classic sleeveless silhouettes bore intricate patterning. The whole show was a beautiful dedication to women of fashion who have successfully prevailed by breaking rules and ignoring standards. Email Madison Reis at bstyle@nyunews.com.

Valentine’s day makeup: Designers YSL, Halston Single or Taken? showcased side by side FIT continued from PG. 1

By RIDDHI KERALIA Contributing Writer

and shows the rises and falls of the companies. As museum patrons enter the dimly lit main room of the exhibit, classic disco songs like “Boogie Wonderland” and “Freak Out” play. The room is white and glossy so that the reflections of sparkly sequined gowns bounce off the walls. Some designs are behind glass in front of silver chain curtains, while others are displayed on round stage-like podiums, fit for the Studio 54 soundtrack. The exhibition focuses on themes the designers examined: menswear, exoticism and historicism. In terms of menswear, Saint Laurent explored different kinds of pantsuits, such as his “Le smoking” women’s tuxedo or a “gangster” pinstripe suit. Meanwhile, Halston created one of his most famous creations, the Ultrasuede shirtdress, combining femininity with the ease and simplicity of menswear. Both designers were influenced by the fashions of other cultures from the past. Saint Laurent devoted entire collections to Russian and Chinese inspired

looks that he knew would be recognizable to Western audiences. He was also inspired by La Belle Epoque and interwar years, demonstrated with his use of full skirts and gigot sleeves. Halston was more interested in adapting exotic or historical concepts in subtle ways, mostly through construction. He created a sarong dress made from one piece of fabric that he skillfully draped around the body. As the exhibit explores the culture of the ’70s and the customs of two legendary designers, visitors are able to make their own conclusions about the designs. Conversations about whose look was better executed or how similar two looks appear to be can be heard around the room. Placing two legendary designers side by side allows visitors to look at the ’70s in a whole new way. They can learn how the culture of the era came to be, what made it so distinctive and why this style still makes appearances on today’s runways. Email Natalia Barr at bstyle@nyunews.com.

Whether you have a romantic dinner date or an endless night of partying, Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to be creative with makeup. As the special day approaches, take your pick: a bold and flirty look for a girl’s night out or a subtle and romantic one for those who are taken. A very important first step both looks is to moisturize your skin (Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer, $11.99). Apply foundation for an even skin tone, and lock the look in place with a few dabs of powder on the areas that tend to be more oily: the forehead, nose and chin (Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation, $12.99 and Rimmel London Stay Matte Pressed Powder, $4.99).

Look 1: Single For an over-the-top glamorous look, try a simple and classic smoky eye. Start with a light shade of grey all over the eyelid and work your way out with a darker shade of grey or black as a base (Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo Cream Gel Eyeshadow, $5.29). Next, choose a complementary eyeshadow: warm browns and dark purples for blue eyes, bright blues and greens for

brown eyes, bright purples for green eyes and neutral grey tones for hazel eyes, and apply it all over the lid. Then trace the lower lash line with a sparkly dark grey shadow, and highlight the inner corner with a shimmering white shade (Urban Decay Naked 2 Basics Palette, $29). Add drama with black winged eyeliner, as well as a black pencil liner on your waterline and tightline (Maybelline Line Stiletto Ultimate Precision Liquid Eyeliner, $7.99 and Nyx Cosmetics Jumbo Eye Pencil, $4.49). If you want to go all out, apply false lashes and multiple coats of mascara (Covergirl Full Lash Bloom Mascara, $8.99). Apply a bright pink lip shade for a playful look, or a classic glossy nude shade as a subtle option, and you will be ready to conquer the night with this bold and beautiful look (Nyx Cosmetics Butter Gloss, $4.99).

Look 2: Taken For sparkling champagne eyes, cover the entire lid with a shimmery gold shade (L’Oréal Infallible Eyeshadow, $7.99). Blend it across the creases and the inner corners of the eyes to highlight. Add a brown liner to bring out the color of the eye and define its shape (Nyx Cosmetics Jumbo Eye Pencil, $4.49). Take a shade of

STAFF PHOTO BY SANG BAE

The smokey eye is an easy look for singles on Valentine’s Day.

glossy pink lipstick that complements your skin color and add a subtle blush to keep the look natural. Use a matte shadow along the lower lashes to enhance the eyes without drawing too much focus to the makeup. Stick with warm shades — anything similar to chocolate or caramel (Urban Decay Naked 2 Basics Palette, $29). Give this look a sexy touch by applying shiny red lipstick for an old Hollywood glamour effect (Nyx Cosmetics Butter Lipstick, $5.99). This makeup provides a combination of elegance and charm, perfect for a special night with a special person. These simple techniques to change up your makeup are sure to give you that extra boost of confidence to have the best Valentine’s Day yet, single or taken. Email Riddhi Kerlia at bstyle@nyunews.com.


WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 | NYUNEWS.COM

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INFORMING YOU FIRST

OPINION | 5 P.M.

NYUNEWS.COM

The New York Times Syndication Sales Corporation THE YORK TIMES CROSSWORD & DAILY SUDOKU 620 NEW Eighth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10018 For Information Call: 1-800-972-3550 For Release Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Crossword When this puzzle is done, the circled let-ters, reading from top to bottom, will spell something that belongs in the center square. ACROSS 1 Blubber 4 Smartphone relative, for short 7 Allergy sufferer’s concern 13 Maze runner? 15 Item used by 13-Across to navigate the 22-Across 16 Visibly upset … or happy 17 Slangy word of regret 18 Pink-colored, to Pedro 19 Org. for seniors 21 Late TV newsman Garrick 22 Home of the [circled letters] 25 -like 28 Registered workers? 29 Poli-___

32 Like some breaking news, nowadays 34 Goes on and on 37 “Me, too” 38 Sharon of Israel 39 Announcement at an airport 42 Worker with a béret, maybe 44 QB’s goals 45 First-timer 47 Began a relationship 48 Ruler of 30-Down 51 Spatter catcher 54 5:2, e.g. 55 “My bad!” 59 Front-___ (some washing machines) 61 JFK-based carrier 63 Avoid, as the [circled letters] 64 Daughter of 48-Across who helped 13-Across

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE B O O P

O H N O

T I T S

A B I T

T A P E

G R A P H

E E R I E

B R A N D N A M E S

T O O T H A N D N A I L

L A U D E R

B U T T E D

E A N M R Y O C L L O A L A R D M I N S C A E V S Y O R R O D T O N A T A

M E O W P O T L E A F

P A G E D R Y E L E G I T

S G T O A O D I D I S N A L A A T N U D R E N E T A R T I A I N D O T E N O

Y O W I E

M O N T Y

A D A M

D E W Y

L O O N

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65 Plan so that maybe one can 66 White House advisory grp. 67 Motor oil choice DOWN 1 Kool-Aid packet direction 2 “I’m in for it now!” 3 They’re placed in Vegas 4 Soup veggie 5 Resistant to wear and tear 6 Analyzed 7 Sports dept. 8 “Give me a ___” 9 Tell it to the judge 10 Dante’s “Inferno” 11 Constructed 12 Old TV’s “Queen for ___” 14 Circus balancer 17 Like some punk rockers’ hair 20 Basics of education, colloquially 23 End of Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible,” e.g. 24 Intel org. 25 Where ___ (a happening place) 26 Weapon used to slay the [circled letters] 27 Catches word of 29 Earthquake 30 Home of the [circled letters] 31 Key 33 U.K. record label 35 San ___

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PUZZLE BY GREG JOHNSON

36 Hosp. scan 40 Many a girl’s middle name 41 They stick together in the playroom 42 Third-largest French-speaking city in the world [hint: it’s in Ivory Coast]

43 Some salon workers 46 Iraq war subj. 48 Big name in the film industry 49 Bumbling 50 Japanese noodles 51 Quaffs in pints 52 Sit (for) 53 Campaign

56 88, e.g., familiarly 57 Give up, at least for now 58 Ooze 60 ___ Speedwagon 62 Constantly twirling a lock of hair, e.g.

For answers, call 1-900-285-5656, $1.49 a minute; or, with a credit card, 1-800-814-5554. Annual subscriptions are available for the best of Sunday crosswords from the last 50 years: 1-888-7-ACROSS. AT&T users: Text NYTX to 386 to download puzzles, or visit nytimes.com/mobilexword for more information. Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more than 2,000 past puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year). Share tips: nytimes.com/wordplay. Crosswords for young solvers: nytimes.com/learning/xwords.


NYUNEWS.COM | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS

OPINION

EDITED BY TESS WOOSLEY OPINION@NYUNEWS.COM

PUBLISHING

Questions remain about Harper Lee sequel By ANNIE COHEN Deputy Opinion Editor

In the American literary canon, few books have been as enduringly successful as Harper Lee’s 1960 novel, “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Following the release of this Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece, Lee quietly entered into a life away from the spotlight, never to have any of her other writing published. She has not granted an interview in over 50 years. This is why it came as such a surprise when, on Feb. 3, HarperCollins Publishers announced the upcoming release of a “recently discovered” novel by Lee, titled “Go Set a Watchman.” While this initially appears to be an exciting new development, the novel’s mysterious road to publication raises many red flags. This stunning revelation has been met with praise, but many question the timing. Lee is 88 years old and has been living in an Alabama assisted-living facility following a 2007 stroke that left her wheelchair-bound, largely deaf, blind and in a fragile mental state. The author’s impairments were

further revealed during a 2013 lawsuit, which alleged that Lee had essentially been taken advantage of by an agent who was stealing her royalties. Fueling speculation that Lee may not fully support the release of “Go Set a Watchman” is the fact that the manuscript was discovered under strange circumstances by Lee’s lawyer, Tonja Carter, who has apparently persuaded the notoriously private author into publishing a new book after 55 years of retirement. It is also telling that the statements attributed to Lee in past days have been issued only through her lawyer or her foreign-rights agent, rather than Lee herself. Further, residents of Monroeville, Alabama, where Lee now resides, have expressed doubt that Lee truly wants this work to be

published. The general consensus is that Carter, who wields power of attorney, is manipulating her elderly client. Harper’s change of heart doesn’t make sense. While it may be nice to believe that Lee has changed her mind about this book, the mounting evidence suggests it is unlikely. Even if she did agree to have it published, it is a fact that, as an octogenarian stroke survivor, her judgement is impaired to some degree. A complete shift in an opinion that she has held for over half a century seems wholly implausible. Whatever the circumstances, “Go Set a Watchman,” which is slated for a July 14 release, will probably be a bestseller. But until she makes a statement, there is no evidence that Harper Lee supports the publication of this book. According to Newsweek, she has expressed the wish that no sequel be published until after her death, to avoid a media circus like the one which has erupted in the last few days. Her publishers should respect her wish. Email Annie Cohen at acohen@nyunews.com.

U.S. POLITICS

Democrats must not take votes for granted By RICHARD SHU Deputy Copy Chief

If the Democrats take one thing away from last year’s midterm elections, it should be that they cannot rely on momentum to win seats. My home state of Maryland makes a strong case. The majority of the population is registered Democrat, and Martin O’Malley, the previous Democratic governor, enjoyed high approval ratings in a relatively prosperous economy. But in the midterm election cycle, Democratic voters overwhelmingly stayed home and Republican Larry Hogan took the governorship. A lack of mobilization was the bane of the Democratic Party — it took its votes for granted. The presidential election of 2016 now looms near. And while figures within the Republican Party — Jeb Bush, Chris Christie and Marco Rubio, among others — busy themselves with building reputations and getting their names in the news, loud Democratic voices are few and far between. That is, except for one. Hillary Clinton is the candidate who many in the Democratic Party know, expect and want. While polls

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for Republican candidates show Jeb Bush with a lead of only 7 percentage points, polls for their Democratic counterparts show Clinton with a lead upwards of 48 points. In terms of popularity, no Democratic candidate can compare. Vice President Joe Biden is known more for his quirky frankness than for any exceptional political conviction. O’Malley, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren are mostly only known in their home states. No one in the Democratic Party has done anything to set themselves apart from the crowd recently. For whatever controversy prominent Republicans may stir — particularly around provocative issues like abortion, contraception and the anti-vaccination movement — their names are at least already out there. Potential Democratic candidates,

oddly silent through these controversies, can hardly say the same. And with no Democrat willing to make a bold political move until Clinton does, the primaries will ultimately boil down to who can compare most to her. Until more Democrats make themselves heard on the issues of the day, the conversation about Democrats will inevitably remain on her. Clinton is, of course, a brilliant stateswoman, savvy diplomat and seasoned politician. She is perhaps the best-known name in all of Washington, D.C., right now with the exception of the president. But Democratic voters risk letting her reputation idly dictate the race for them — particularly young Democratic voters with traditionally low turnout and a growing streak of political nihilism. In Maryland, Democratic voters stayed at home, expecting that O’Malley’s credentials would speak for themselves. And as long as Clinton stands unchallenged in popularity, Democrats look uninspired, toothless and deferential in comparison to their firebrand red counterparts, as they did in Maryland. Email Richard Shu at opinion@nyunews.com.

STAFF EDITORIAL

Continued Abu Dhabi labor abuses alarming

A report released Tuesday by Human Rights Watch found “serious concerns about violations of workers’ rights” remain in Abu Dhabi, where NYU built a satellite campus on Saadiyat Island. A May 2014 New York Times article detailed labor abuses including withholding wages, confiscating workers’ passports and substandard housing. These abuses continue to be a problem in 2015. Following the Times article, NYU President John Sexton sent a campus-wide email in which he called the findings “troubling and unacceptable,” and announced a compliance process to set new safety standards for workers at the Abu Dhabi campus site. It is clear that these measures have not gone far enough. The continued labor abuses are cause for alarm, and the university must do more. After the release of the Human Rights Watch report, NYU responded with a letter signed by Sexton. He, of course, promised on behalf of the university to “draw lessons learned to strengthen labor compliance in the future.” But the strength of labor compliance should never have been an issue in the first place. At best, the entire NYU administration was woefully ignorant of the circumstances at the site. At worst, someone within the bureaucracy raised the labor issue and was promptly silenced. If it is, as Sexton wrote, “inevitable that there would be instances when standards were not met” during a project like the NYUAD expansion, maybe the project ought not to happen at all. As an institution of higher learning, NYU should seek to hold itself to a higher standard. A mere shrug of the shoulders and a limp appeal to inevitability should not excuse the administration from complicitly accepting exploitative labor. However much NYU may promote giving back to the community and helping the disadvantaged in relatively small ways, the glaring, large-scale transgressions of the NYUAD project reflect poorly on their mission. The NYUAD labor violations, along with the unpopular NYU 2031 expansion plan, reflect a new, troubling direction for the school. Less and less focused on the quality of its students’ education, less and less devoted to an ideal of global stewardship, NYU looks more like a for-profit corporation every day. With every mindless expansion, with every noncommittal statement from the administration, NYU’s reputation suffers, and the reputations of its students, faculty and alumni suffer along with it. In the email Sexton sent out in May 2014, he wrote that the administration had “forged an enormously successful liberal arts research university in Abu Dhabi.” Be that as it may, it would appear from continued reports of labor abuses that the NYU administration is willing to absorb the cost of rights violations in the pursuit of the heady ideal.

Email the WSN Editorial Board at editboard@nyunews.com. EDITORIAL BOARD: Tess Woosley (Chair), Annie Cohen (Co-chair), Tommy Collison (Co-chair), Matthew Tessler (Co-chair) ILLUSTRATION BY JOURDAN ENRIQUEZ

Send mail to: 838 Broadway, Fifth Floor New York, N.Y. 10003 or email: opinion@nyunews.com WSN welcomes letters to the editor, opinion pieces and articles relevant to the NYU community, or in response to articles. Letters should be less than 450 words. All submissions must be typed or emailed and must include the author’s name, address and phone number. Members of the NYU community must include a year and school or job title.

WSN does not print unsigned letters or editorials. WSN reserves the right to reject any submission and edit accepted submissions in any and all ways. With the exception of the staff editorial, opinions expressed on the editorial pages are not necessarily those of WSN, and our publication of opinions is not an endorsement of them.


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